Mangalore: International Women’s Day celebrated at St Aloysius College

Mangalore, March 1, 2010: The Faculty and Students of the MSW Department of St. Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangalore celebrated the International Women’s Day on 28 February 2010 at the Eric Mathias Hall / IT Auditorium.

The program began with invoking God’s blessing by the way of a prayer song led by the MSW students. Later, Ms. Swapna welcomed the gathering and introduced the guests to the audience.

Highlighting the significance of Women’s Day Ms Henita Lobo said that “International Women’s Day celebrated on 8th March is a universal day for all women around the world. It endows them with a sense of honour, dignity and self respect for being the person that they are. This day marks a celebration of the economic, social, cultural and political achievements made by women over the years”. Later, the MSW students presented a Cultural Programme to entertain the gathering.

Mrs. Vani Alva, Project Co-ordinator of Ullal Municipality spoke on “Empowerment of women through SHG.” She said “Tormented and subjugated throughout all times and ages, women have fought their way through exploitation, harassment, and have managed to secure their rights in the public domain”.

She added “In spite of continuing exploitation and injustice against women both in the domestic and work sector today, several milestones have been achieved in terms of education, freedom of choice and liberty, equality etc. With growing literacy and financial independence women feel more empowered today to assert their right to a life of dignity and self worth”. She concluded by saying that the Self Help Groups have been a ray of hope for the marginalized and voiceless women.

Later, the Valedictory Function was presided over by Rev Fr. Swebert Dsilva, Principal – St Aloysius College (Autonomous) and Dr Kripa Amar Alva was the Chief Guest; Dr. Aruna Kamath was the Guest of Honour. Rev. Fr Francis DAlmeida, Dean of MSW Department welcomed and introduced the guests to the gathering.

Dr Kripa Amar Alva addressing the gathering gave a realistic picture of women and their status in the society. She said that women are still not treated well in spite of their contribution to the family and society. She also added that India can develop only if women are given an equal respect and position in society which they deserved.

Dr Aruna Kamath spoke about women’s contribution to build a better society. She concluded by saying “Being educated, employed and empowered is the right of every woman”.

Later, Rev Fr Swebert D’Silva, Principal St Aloysius College (Autonomous), emphasized on the fact that women should have hope and confidence in themselves to be empowered.

He said “A woman’s essence lies in her innate ability to care, love and sacrifice for the other. She plays an all-enveloping character of a mother, daughter, wife and sister as a friend, nurturer, guide and partner from time to time. Emotional and vulnerable, sometimes erratic, sometimes serene, she displays a wonderful range of emotions from being patient to being extremely courageous in times of crisis”.

He also felicitated the NGOs and highly praised their services towards the empowerment of women in the society.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Vijay Kumar, Student Coordinator of the programme. Ms. Swapna compeered the entire program. A sumptuous lunch was served for all.